Richard Widdess is Professor of Musicology in the Department of Music, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He writes about the music of South Asia, especially traditions of vocal music, with reference to the structure, theoretical systems, performance analysis, cognition, history and cultural meanings of music.

‘Richard Widdess’s study of Dāphā combines long-term ethnographic engagement, meticulous historical investigation and typically elegant musical analyses to paint a richly detailed and multi-faceted picture of this sacred singing tradition. Much more than a vivid description of a regional curiosity, however, this book is full of insights and observations that will resonate with anyone interested in musical performance and its meanings in South Asia.’ Martin Clayton, Durham University, UK

• Contents: Preface; Introduction; Dapha from past to present; Temporal order: time, music and rhythm; The singing community: dapha and the social order; Melody and raga; Encounter with the divine: dapha and the sacred order; Songs and meanings; Conclusion: music and meaning; Bibliography; Index.

Richard Widdess is Professor of Musicology in the Department of Music, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He writes about the music of South Asia, especially traditions of vocal music, with reference to the structure, theoretical systems, performance analysis, cognition, history and cultural meanings of music.

‘Richard Widdess’s study of Dāphā combines long-term ethnographic engagement, meticulous historical investigation and typically elegant musical analyses to paint a richly detailed and multi-faceted picture of this sacred singing tradition. Much more than a vivid description of a regional curiosity, however, this book is full of insights and observations that will resonate with anyone interested in musical performance and its meanings in South Asia.’ Martin Clayton, Durham University, UK

• Contents: Preface; Introduction; Dapha from past to present; Temporal order: time, music and rhythm; The singing community: dapha and the social order; Melody and raga; Encounter with the divine: dapha and the sacred order; Songs and meanings; Conclusion: music and meaning; Bibliography; Index.